Roll Call: Pension Lawsuit Appeal; Homless Youth Forum; Should Anyone Receive Preference at MAST?

The state fires back in the lawsuit over pension contributions, in Wednesday’s education headlines.

State says Legislature’s power of the purse trumps collective bargaining in Fla. pension case – A former state Supreme Court justice has argues that the Legislature’s ability to budget trumps the constitutionally protected right of state workers to collectively bargain. The brief was filed to appeal a court ruling striking down a law requiring state workers contribute 3 percent of pay to their pension. The Associated Press

Homeless youth share experiences through public forum – Gov. Rick Scott and others will gather in Tampa today to discuss youth homelessness. Kalmesha Jones is one teen addressing the gathering: “I stopped going to school as much because I was worrying about my bills, and I couldn’t go to school and try to have a job,” she says. “I was scared because I was like, ‘How am I still supposed to be a kid and take care of myself?’” WTSP.com

Florida Schools Face Million Dollar Fine if Abuse Goes Unreported – As a Penn State coach accused of sexual abuse heads to trial, under a new Florida law schools could face a $1 million if they fail to report abuse. WCTV.tv

Parents split on MAST Academy expansion – Key Biscayne residents would get preference at MAST Academy, in a disputed plan to expand one of Miami-Dade’s best magnet programs. The Miami Herald

Superintendent Runcie rated “effective” by Broward School Board – Broward County schools’ superintendent received the school board’s second-highest rating. Robert Runcie has been on the job less than a year. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel